1:1
“The vision of Obadiah”. This is similar to the introduction used in some other prophets, eg Isaiah and Nahum. In those times it was common that when a dominant nation such as Assyria or Babylon went to war, they would call upon their vassal states to join them in supporting the battle. If we take the later date for Obadiah, then Edom would have received such a rallying call from Babylon when she was going to attack Jerusalem. So the wording in verse 1 reflects this sort of call, except that the Lord is now calling on the nations to attack Edom. We need to remember that none of these nations were godly nations, yet God is the Lord of history. We look at modern day Israel and the attitude of the surrounding nations, and of the United Nations, and this can lead us to despair. We should not despair, instead we should pray, for God is the Lord.
1:2,3
Edom had perhaps developed a high opinion of herself, thinking she was important, but God was about to make her into an insignificant nation, and a despised one. Edom had become proud, trusting in her own strength. She thought she was impregnable, but this was a delusion. We see this pattern again and again, both in nations, in organisations and in individuals. When we become proud, pride deceives us into thinking we are something we are not, and into thinking we have powers that we do not have.
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